National Games Suddenly Postponed: Mismanagement, Apathy or Blind Ignorance?

 

In Pakistan, the sports industry has for long been plagued by mismanagement, political intervention, and institutional apathy. Just when sportsmen, coaches, and sports federations begin to believe in a big event to revive the spirit of competition and excellence, a hasty decision dashes their hopes. The recent example is the sudden postponement of the National Games 2025—a decision that has left sportsmen, organizers, and supporters aghast.

The National Games are the largest multi-sport event in the nation, and for most athletes, it is a career-defining experience. But this year, the games were delayed without any advance notice, official explanation, or new timeline. Teams had been finalized, training camps were in progress, and the host province had begun logistical preparations. The news was a shock—with no one held accountable.

The Ministry of Sports, Pakistan Olympic Association, and the host province all appear to be passing the buck. Nobody is taking responsibility for the decision or justifying it. This breakdown in communication not only reveals institutional vulnerabilities but also the grave lack of coordination between stakeholders.

Young players who were hoping to exhibit their skill and potentially be awarded places on national teams are now left hanging. Most of them sacrificed themselves—skipping school, work, and family time—for months of rigorous training. The psychological and emotional damage of this delay cannot be quantified.

Millions of rupees were spent on the event, most of which has already been disbursed. Now, the question is: will that money be wasted? Or will there be an open reallocation? The reputation of the hosting province has also suffered, as their plans were upended with no notice or alternate direction.

It's time for a serious overhaul of the way national sporting events are managed in Pakistan. There has to be clear-cut plans, better federations-ministry coordination, and a commitment towards respecting the athletes' time, effort, and dreams. The National Games shouldn't be allowed to become an afterthought political exercise.